Make your first arrival simple

Before leaving the aircraft

Have the original passport, any required visa and the information relevant to your entry basis ready. Keep the first accommodation address and onward plans accessible offline. Follow the current arrival-card, border and health instructions given by the authorities.

After immigration and baggage reclaim

Use official signs and staffed desks for the parts that are unfamiliar.

1. Collect baggage and read the Customs declaration instructions. If you are unsure about an item, ask Customs before choosing a channel.
2. Connect your planned mobile service and check that messages and maps work.
3. Confirm your hotel’s Chinese address and the exact terminal where you are standing.
4. Use an official taxi queue, signed public transport or the pickup point shown by your booked service.
5. Check the vehicle and booking details before boarding, and keep luggage and travel documents with you.

Keep the first evening light

A simple meal and an early check-in leave time to fix a SIM, payment or registration problem. If staying in a private home, complete the applicable accommodation registration with your host; a flight arrival record is not the same thing.